Shapewear comes in many designs with different purposes in mind. The latest by Spanx is known as the Skinny Britches Short. The Skinny Britches Short provides sheer control and is invisible under clothing.

This piece of shapewear is designed for a lightweight hold - something perfect for keeping cool under everyday wear. It smooths out your silhouette under pants, skirts or dresses and the non-binding waistband lays flat and doesn't constrict. The laser-cut leg and edges eliminate pinching and bulging. The Skinny Britches Short also features a cotton gusset.

Layer different types of shapewear for even more slimming power. We carry the Spanx Skinny Britches Short in sizes S - XL.

We recently introduced Janira - a shapewear creation company. Janira specializes in nipping and tucking targeted areas without the need of a doctor's appointment.

And recently we have gotten in new form factors for Janira. To the right is a short which combines the look of a thong with the utility of a control short. When worn in nude, the shorts are almost invisible against the skin and the shorts are invisible under garments.

These Janira shorts are perfect under a skirt or even shorts in the upcoming warmer weather. And if you're looking for a smaller piece we also have Janira in a bikini panty. 

Spanx. It's the secret to the red carpet. If every star who was wearing Spanx had to put their hand up it would look like an audience listening to a power ballad at a rock concert.

But they don't have to put their hand up, and if no one ever admitted to it, you would never know - that's the secret of shapewear; it gives you shape, definition and smoothing all in one neat, invisible package.

We carry several lines of shapewear and Spanx is our latest addition. As you can see to the right, this Spanx shaper tames your body from your chest to your thigh providing the long, lean lines that dresses deserve. This is designed with all sizes in mind as it allows for a proper-fitting bra on top instead of simply mashing the breast tissue with spandex.

We are also carrying a strappy cami by Spanx. Both pieces are available in nude and in sizes B, C, D and E.

The holiday season is a time when we take out the fancy clothes we rarely wear all year. For women this often means dresses, and slinky ones at that. Thin fabrics on these impressive frocks might be the most body-hugging things we wear all year.

This is where CASS comes in. CASS is a luxury shapewear company. What's shapewear? Shapewear is an undergarment you wear that nips, tucks and generally smooths and tones a shape without a minute in this gym.

And in this case we're showing the Cami Slip Dress by CASS. This slip dress is the ultimate shaper as it provides medium support from the bust to the thigh. It's the perfect undergarment to wear under a dress to keep a line or bump from marring your silhouette and the CASS Cami Slip Dress won't cling to fabrics and stays put all night long.

The CASS Cami Slip Dress works on all shapes but is best for sizes 0-12 with cup sizes A-C.

Secret Drawers Lingerie carries a variety of body shapers from the Unbelievabra, known for smoothing the dreaded back fat, to the Sveltesse line, for ultimate support targeting multiple parts of the body. Now we're pleased to offer a line of body shapers so comfortable they qualify for everyday wear.

New to Secret Drawers Lingerie is the Yummy Tummy Original Tank.

This body shaper sets itself apart from the pack by being a tank that smooths and slims your middle while allowing your busom freedom of movement - even allowing for a bra underneath, if desired.

The Yummie Tummie Original Tank becomes an essential layering piece while adding style to your wardrobe.Our favorite way to wear it is under a sheer blouse where we need just a little extra shaping and coverage. And we appreciate that the tank is long enough to tuck into pants, preventing the dreaded fabric roll-up midday.

We admit to wearing body shapers, sure, but that doesn't mean we don't still want comfort everyday.

As this is the new year we thought we'd take a look back at some of our favorite lingerie, loungewear and, of course, underwear items from 2010. Today we'll reveal numbers 10 - 6.

10.  Bedhead Pajamas - These are a top-of-the-line pajama that wash and wear beautifully a are a long-time favorite of ours. They are a finer cotton flannel than is normally found in pajamas.

Many were snapped up for Christmas, but if you weren't lucky to find a pair under your tree, stop by and try on a pair.

9.  The Empreinte Lingerie line - The Empreinte line keeps coming out with superior bras and matching underwear that make a full-figured woman look her very best. We wear it and we love it.

8.  The Unbelievabra - The Unbelievabra Ultimate by Shapeez is a unique foundation garment that is known for both slimming the torso and also removing bulges on the back with it's slimmer and bra built-in-one. And we absolutely had to have it on our list as even a chiropractor loves its benefits of reducing back pain.

7.  Plus-Size Camisoles by Hanky Panky - At Secret Drawers Lingerie we embrace any company that does justice to a plus-size figure, so we were excited to see the expected Hanky Panky style and quality available in plus size camisoles. In granite, white and black they go with almost any outfit.

6.  Fashion 78 from the Felina Conturelle Dessous line - OK, we admit, that's a mouthful, but the sophisticated beauty of this piece makes it worth it. The Fashion 78 from Felina does look extraordinary on the hanger, but the reason it makes our top 10 list is because of the superior way it compliments a woman's body all the way up to an H cup.

Next time find out our absolute favorite top 5 items of the year. The best underwear that matters is yet to come...

December marks the Walk the Windows contest in downtown Courtenay so it’s the perfect time to talk about E. M. Interior Design, the firm behind the window displays of Secret Drawers Lingerie.

Seen above: Chantelle bra with CASS body-shaper and a Diamond Tea robe.

Estar McMillan is the woman behind E. M. Interior Design and we always look forward to seeing her monthly vignettes. She shows a deft hand in creating seasonal displays featuring our products in sophisticated and fun ways. We sat down with McMillan to learn more about her design ideals.

“I make it (the window design) exude what we’re selling… my goal is to make it sensual, flirty, but not over the top or cheesy,” says McMillan, “I try hard to make it as classy as I can. It’s beautiful product; it’s a joy to be able to work with it. And every time my client is happy, I’m happy.”

McMillan started working with us about a year ago and immediately she was a natural fit.

“I really believe in their philosophy in dressing from the inside out, so I think about that all the time when I do the windows. It speaks loudly,” says McMillan.

Seen above: Prima Donna bra and panty, Chantelle bra and panty and Naked underwear for men.

The stunning window designs show our lingerie in its most desirous light. Her creative talent really shines; and maybe most creative of all is her ability to reuse, repurpose and even create some of the stunning elements seen in our windows. This season’s five-foot high snowflakes are her latest creation.

“I use my imagination a lot in a time when the economy is a bit tricky. It’s important not to throw everything out and start over. I believe design should be affordable for everyone not just people with money.”

And it seems that McMillan is as happy working with us as we are working with her,

“Pulling all the elements together, the plan of the space, and the materials for the end product: it’s a passion; it’s a joy. Lighting, colour, everything we use… (I love) helping people see the vision and see how pleased they are with the end product, it’s the compliments when they’re thrilled with the job.”

And while her designs are always topics of conversation for both us and our clients, we’ll give McMillan and her designs the last words,

“I like to let my work speak for itself.”

You can contact E. M. Interior Design at emid1027@shaw.ca.

[Remember, voting for your favorite window display enters you to win a $1000 downtown shopping spree other other great prizes. Come by and vote today.]

At Secret Drawers Lingerie we aim to make you feel beautiful every day and in every look, be it a business suit, yoga pants or that slinky body-caressing silk dress you bought for the office Christmas party.

Enter CASS. We offer different lines of shapewear for unique looks and body types. Our CASS pieces are specifically designed for those who wish to smooth as well as shape their bottom half. The strategically placed panels and stitching lift as well as smooth the bottom. We also carry a model that slims down to the knee.

And as you can see in the image, these pieces not only look good under clothes but also on their own. These pieces aren't just underpinning, they are everyday wear.

For those looking to slim their torso or upper-half, check out the Unbelievabra or the Sveltesse line, both with superior control and shaping. A seamless shape simply no longer requires suffering.

If you're buying a body-shaper for a special outfit, make sure to bring that outfit with you and we can fit you in the perfect shaper for your look.

Body shapers have hit the lingerie world by storm coming in all shapes and sizes. We carry Sveltesse, a wonderful line of body shapers, designed as a fully supportive undergarment going from the lower thigh to just below the breasts. A Sveltesse is typically used on special occasions due to the amount of shaping and support it offers, but for everyday wear, we have brought in a new option: the Unbelievabra.

The Unbelievabra Ultimate by Shapeez has been getting attention from everyone from Oprah and InStyle to the Today Show. People just don't run out of great things to say about it. New Beauty magazine calls it a "Stomach Slimmer" while Oprah raves about how it vanishes back fat.

The Unbelievabra combines a bra and a body shaper all-in-one. This product shapes breasts naturally, offers the fit and support of an underwire bra, while slimming the torso at the same time. It's medium-control is perfect for underneath anything from your favorite t-shirt to the silk blouse you sport at the office.

The Unbelievabra's Smooth Back design removes all visible lines and banishes the dreaded back fat bulges while ensuring the straps don't slip down your shoulders. Its extra-long length allows you to tuck it into even low-rise fashion, helping to avoid that "muffin top" look.

The Unbelievabra Ultimate by Shapeez is made from cool-tex lycra, designed to wick moisture away from the body. It's beautiful on the body, with details like lace at the breast bone, and feels silky against the skin. The Unbelievabra is available in cup sizes A through G, ensuring that every woman get a proper fit.

We love that the Unbelievabra offers a smooth look under any outfit and is comfortable enough everyday. We think you'll find that a versatile, slimming piece like this proves how much underwear matters.

Images provided by Shapeez.

At Secret Drawers Lingerie, we're honored to work with brides for their special day. Women of all ages come in wanting something special, so they can look their very best as all eyes in the room fall to them as they walk down the aisle.

Unfortunately, what most brides don't realize is looking great on their wedding day isn't the same thing as looking amazing on their wedding night. Most women would be quite happy to reveal the Va Bien bustier, seen right, on their wedding night, but while beautiful on its own, that might not be the best thing for underneath your wedding dress proper.

The gorgeous plunging neckline, lace and ruffles of the piece look great against skin, but may appear bumpy under fabric. A piece like this often doesn't give a woman the lift and support she needs under a strapless dress either.

Advice to Brides

Our advice, of course, is more lingerie!

Brides are much happier if they focus on two looks: one for the wedding day, and one for the wedding night.

Wedding Day Lingerie

For under the dress, brides should look for well-fitting, supportive lingerie. We recommend a bra-fitting to ensure the perfect fit, keeping in mind that fit in a strapless bra is the key to keeping it, and you, in place. Secret Drawers Lingerie is pleased to provide complimentary professional fittings, but they can be found in other specialty shops too.

In addition to the bra, a product like one from our Sveltesse line, seen left, is ideal. This line of body shapers is the best we've ever seen in smoothing out any body imperfections while invisible under clothes. The model shown left extends from the ribcage, down to the thighs, with not a bump or line in sight. The specially-designed bands around the ribcage and thigh hold them neatly in place so you won't be seen tugging and adjusting uncomfortable underwear on your wedding day. In nude, it's the perfect item for under a tight-fitting dress - and no one will know you have it on!

Wedding Night Lingerie

Once your day look is under control, you can be as naughty, or as nice, as you please at night. The Va Bien bustier, above, is perfectly sinful in black, paired with long silk gloves and stiletto heels. Or, if you prefer, the Hanky Panky dotted tuille thong and garter set, seen right, paired with a lace cami and your bright smile is cute and flirty.

Two looks can keep everything smooth on the wedding day and steamy on the wedding night; because. on this special day, certainly, underwear matters.